Sasthamkotta Utsavam

About this event

Sasthamkotta Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, is one of Kerala’s ancient Sastha temples and occupies a distinctive setting on the banks of Sasthamkotta Lake, the largest freshwater lake in the state. The temple and its surroundings are closely associated with local legends connected with Lord Rama and Dharma Sastha, while the monkeys that inhabit the temple precincts are regarded as part of its distinctive religious and cultural character. The temple’s annual utsavam is a ten-day celebration held during the Malayalam month of Kumbham, generally falling between February and March. The festival combines temple rituals with traditional performing arts and the colourful Kettukazhcha procession, which forms one of its principal attractions. On the concluding day, large decorated structures and effigies, including representations of bulls, horses and chariots, are brought in procession to the temple grounds, accompanied by elephants and traditional festivities. Kerala Tourism describes the festival as featuring a variety of folk-art forms along with the Kettukazhcha, reflecting the strong connection between ritual worship and community traditions at Sasthamkotta. The festival’s concluding Arattu is another important ceremonial observance. The temple’s association with Sasthamkotta Lake gives the celebration a distinctive environmental and cultural setting, but the principal focus remains the worship of Dharma Sastha and the temple’s established ritual calendar. The lake itself is a Ramsar-listed wetland of international importance and supports diverse aquatic and wetland biodiversity, adding to the wider heritage value of the area. Another distinctive tradition associated with the temple is Vanara Sadya, an offering of food to the monkeys during the Onam period, which reflects the local belief in their sacred association with Dharma Sastha. During the annual utsavam, devotees and visitors gather for worship, processions, folk performances and other customary celebrations, creating a strong sense of community participation. Rather than being defined primarily by lakeside ceremonies, Sasthamkotta Utsavam is best understood as a traditional temple festival in which ritual worship, Kettukazhcha, folk arts and the cultural landscape surrounding the Sastha shrine come together. For visitors interested in Kerala’s religious heritage, the festival offers an opportunity to experience a living Dharma Sastha tradition while also encountering one of the state’s most important freshwater ecosystems.

🚆 Railway: Sasthamkotta Railway Station — approximately 4 km from the temple; Kollam Railway Station is approximately 29 km away.

✈️ Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport — approximately 83 km from the temple.

🚌 Bus: Sasthamkotta is connected by regular road services with Kollam, Karunagappally, Kottarakkara, Adoor and surrounding towns; the temple is close to Sasthamkotta town and bus services.

🏨 Stay: Hotels, lodges and homestays are available in Sasthamkotta and nearby towns, with additional accommodation in Kollam and Karunagappally.

✅ Notes: The annual utsavam lasts 10 days and is held during Kumbham (February–March). Kerala Tourism identifies Kettukazhcha and folk-art performances as principal festival features, with the celebrations culminating in the Arattu. Festival dates and individual programme timings follow the temple calendar and should be confirmed with the temple authorities before visiting.